Compactible Scooter with Tensioned Body

ABSTRACT

Foldable electrical vehicles and related charging infrastructure are described. The foldable electrical vehicle generally includes three structural members (front and rear wheel-bearing structural members and a seat-bearing structural member) that are pivotally interconnected along their lengths such that they may be pivoted between a closed position wherein the three structural members are disposed roughly parallel to each other in a compact folded configuration, and an open riding configuration wherein an angular relation is formed between the structural members.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The current application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 16/057,140, filed Aug. 7, 2018, which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 62/542,130, filed Aug. 7, 2017, thedisclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in theirentireties.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The current disclosure is directed to compact, foldable electricvehicles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A common difficulty encountered in public transport is in trying to movepeople from a transportation hub, like a railway station, bus stop, etc.to their desired destination, or from their origination point to atransport hub. These problems are referred to as the ‘last mile’ or‘first mile’ problem, respectively. Where the population of a place isnot dense, like in areas where there are extensive suburbs and exurbs,this difficulty can become chronic making public transport impractical.A number of solutions have been proposed to overcome this problem,including community transportation such as feeder transport and ride orcar sharing programs, however, these methods require a socialinfrastructure that is often either not available or not extensiveenough to meet commuter needs. Other solutions involve various forms ofportable transport, such as bicycles. Most of these personal forms oftransportation are relatively bulky and present challenges in storage atboth ends of the commute, as well as transport within most publictransport systems.

Accordingly, a need exists for personal transport devices andinfrastructure capable of addressing the ‘last mile’/‘first mile’challenge.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The application is directed to portable electric vehicles andinfrastructure for portable electric vehicles.

Many embodiments are directed to a foldable vehicle including:

-   -   a front wheel-bearing structural member and a rear wheel-bearing        structural member each having first and second ends and each        defining a wheel-bearing structural member longitudinal axis,        each of said wheelbearing structural members having at least one        wheel assembly interconnected to the second end thereof and two        wheel-bearing structural member pivot interconnections disposed        along the length thereof;    -   at least one seat-bearing structural member having first and        second ends and defining a seat-bearing structural member        longitudinal axis, the seat-bearing structural member having a        seating platform interconnected to the second end thereof and at        least two seat-bearing pivot interconnections disposed along the        length thereof;    -   wherein at least one of the wheel-bearing structural member        pivot interconnections of each of the front and rear        wheel-bearing structural members are pivotably interconnected        together, and wherein at least one of the wheel-bearing        structural member pivot interconnections of each of the front        and rear wheel-bearing structural members are pivotably        interconnected with the seat-bearing pivot interconnections, and        wherein the collective pivot interconnections are configured to        cooperatively form a vehicle pivot mechanism such that the        structural members are movable between at least two        configurations:        -   a riding configuration wherein the longitudinal axes of the            two wheel bearing structural members and the seat-bearing            structural members have angular offsets relative to each            other, and        -   a folded configuration wherein the longitudinal axes of the            two wheel-bearing structural members and the seat-bearing            structural member are roughly parallel to each other; and    -   wherein a first support wire is interconnected between the        seat-bearing structural member and the front wheel-bearing        structural member, and a second support wire is interconnected        between the rear and front wheel-bearing structural members, the        first and second support wires being under tension in the riding        configuration and slack in the folded configuration.

In other embodiments a steering mechanism is mounted to a frontwheel-bearing structural member, the steering mechanism being configuredto controllably pivot the wheel assembly mounted to the frontwheel-bearing structural member about the longitudinal axis of the frontwheel-bearing structural member.

In still other embodiments the front wheel is locked in a non-pivotingconfiguration relative the longitudinal axis of the front wheel-bearingstructural member in the folded configuration.

In yet other embodiments a portion of the front wheel-bearing structuralmember pivots with the wheel assembly.

In still yet other embodiments at least a portion of the frontwheel-bearing structural member has an energy storage device disposedthereon.

In still yet other embodiments the energy storage device is removablefrom the vehicle.

In still yet other embodiments the steering mechanism comprises at leastone handlebar, and wherein the height and angle of the handlebarrelative to the vehicle is adjustable.

In still yet other embodiments the front wheel-bearing structural memberis tubular.

In still yet other embodiments the vehicle further includes a pivotlocking mechanism configured to disengageably lock the structuralmembers in at least the folded configuration.

In still yet other embodiments the pivot locking mechanism comprises alatch disposed on the seat-bearing member and configured to engage oneof the at least two wheel-bearing structural members.

In still yet other embodiments the latch is configured to engage aportion of the rear wheel-bearing structural member.

In still yet other embodiments the latch is configured to disengage whenthe seat-bearing structural member is pivoted upward when in the secondcompacted configuration.

In still yet other embodiments the rear wheel assembly comprises atleast two wheels interconnected via a fixed axle.

In still yet other embodiments the vehicle further includes at least oneelectric motor disposed within at least one of the wheel assemblies andan energy storage device interconnected therewith.

In still yet other embodiments in the folded configuration the seatingplatform is disposed above the first ends of the wheel-bearingstructural members.

In still yet other embodiments the rear wheel-bearing structural memberand the seat-bearing structural member are pivotably interconnectedthrough a linkage member.

In still yet other embodiments the linkage member is interconnected topivot interconnections on the seat-bearing structural member and rearwheel-bearing structural member along the length of each structuralmember between the first and second ends thereof.

In still yet other embodiments the seat-bearing structural member andthe front wheel-bearing structural member are interconnected throughpivot interconnections disposed on the first end of the seat-bearingstructural member and along the length of the front wheel-bearingstructural member between the first and second ends thereof.

In still yet other embodiments the front and rear wheel-bearingstructural members are interconnected through pivot interconnectionsdisposed proximal to the first ends of each of the front and rearwheel-bearing structural members.

In still yet other embodiments at least one of the wheel-bearingstructural members comprises a plurality of fenestrations configured toprovide access to the internal volume thereof.

In still yet other embodiments at least one of the wheel-bearingstructural members comprises a plurality of fenestrations configured toprovide access to the internal volume thereof.

In still yet other embodiments, the foldable vehicle includes anelectronics interconnection disposed thereon, the electronicsinterconnection in signal communication with at least one sensorconfigured to deliver information on at least one vehicle parameter anddeliver information from the at least one sensor to the personalelectronic device. In some such embodiments, the at least one vehicleparameter is selected from the group consisting of vehicle speed, energyconsumption, energy reserve, mileage, and direction.

Additional embodiments and features are set forth in part in thedescription that follows, and in part will become apparent to thoseskilled in the art upon examination of the specification or may belearned by the practice of the disclosure. A further understanding ofthe nature and advantages of the present disclosure may be realized byreference to the remaining portions of the specification and thedrawings, which forms a part of this disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description will be more fully understood with reference to thefollowing figures, which are presented as exemplary embodiments of theinvention and should not be construed as a complete recitation of thescope of the invention, wherein:

FIGS. 1a to 1c provide views of a foldable electric vehicle in an openriding configuration in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

FIGS. 2a and 2b provide views of a foldable electric vehicle in acompacted configuration in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

FIGS. 3a and 3b provide detailed views of a tension cable of a foldableelectric vehicle in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 4 provides a detailed view of a tension cable of a foldableelectric vehicle having an internal battery in accordance withembodiments of the invention.

FIG. 5 provides a detailed view of a tension cable of a foldableelectric vehicle having an external battery in accordance withembodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Turning now to the drawings, foldable electric vehicles are described.In many embodiments, the foldable electric vehicle generally comprises aplurality of structural members all cooperatively moveable between afolded position wherein the structural members are in a compactconfiguration suitable for storing and transporting the vehicle, and anopen position wherein the structural members are in a ridingconfiguration suitable for the operation of the vehicle. In many suchembodiments, the pivotable structural members may have disposed thereonwheels, motors, charge storage devices, power distribution and controlcircuits, motor and vehicle controls and instruments, accessories andall other necessary devices and structures for the operation of thevehicle.

In some embodiments, the vehicle comprises two wheel-bearing structuralmembers (front and rear structural members), and a seat structuralmember that are all pivotally interconnected along their lengths suchthat they may be moved between a closed position wherein the threestructural members are disposed roughly parallel to each other in acompact folded configuration, and an open riding configuration wherein adownward acute angle is formed between the two structural wheel-bearingstructural members, and the seat structural member is disposed in aposition to support a rider atop the vehicle.

In many embodiments, a plurality of pivot points exist between the threestructural members. In various embodiments each of the structuralmembers includes at least two pivot points, one on each member tointerconnect the member to the other members. In some embodiments thefront and rear structural members are pivotably interconnected each ator near an end thereof distal to the wheels, and also pivotablyinterconnected each to the seat member at a point along their length, toform an overall ‘A-frame’ configuration for the vehicle when in theriding position. In some embodiments the seat member is attached to thefront wheel member at an end thereof distal to the seat, and is attachedto the rear wheel at a point along its length between the front memberpivot point and the seat. In some such embodiments the pivotinterconnection between the rear structural member and the seat memberincludes an elongated bracket such that movement of the members islinked. In other embodiments the seat arm includes a locking mechanism,such as, for example, a latch arm that engages against the end of therear structural member distal to the rear wheel such that the vehicle islocked into the folded configuration.

In various embodiments the seat and rear structural members are alsointerconnected with the front structural member through a pair of highstrength tension cable configured to increase the structural integrityof the frame of the vehicle. In many such embodiments the cable betweenthe seat and front structural members is connected through bracketsdisposed at a first end of the structural members distal from thewheels. In many other such embodiments the cable between the rear andfront structural members is connected through brackets disposed at asecond end of the structural members proximal to the wheels.

In many other embodiments one of the structural members is configured toenclose a power source, such as, for example, a battery or plurality ofbatteries. In many embodiments this power source enclosing structuralmember is disposed as the front structural member of the vehicle, andbears the front wheel thereof. In alternative embodiments the powersource may be located in a separate enclosure attached to one or more ofthe structural members.

In many embodiments, the pivotable second wheel-bearing structuralmember includes one or more rear wheels at the distal end thereof. Itwill be understood that the rear wheel assembly may include a singlewheel or multiple wheels interconnected via an axle.

In various embodiments, the front wheel-bearing structural membercomprises a pivotable portion proximal to the wheel that is pivotablyinterconnected to a steering mechanism disposed at the end of the frontwheel-bearing structural member distal from the wheel. In some suchembodiments the steering mechanism comprises at least a handlebar of anysuitable design. In some embodiments the front wheel-bearing structuralmember is a hollow volume, wherein at least the pivotable portion of themember forms a volume into which an energy storage device is disposed.

The folding mechanism of the vehicle, in many embodiments, interconnectsthe three structural members of the vehicle in a configuration thatallows the disengagement of the riding position and the folding of thestructural members of the vehicle via the manipulation of one of thestructural members of the vehicle. In some such embodiments, the foldingmechanism is disengaged by manipulating the seat bearing structuralmember of the vehicle. In other embodiments a locking mechanism isprovided to prevent the unfolding of the vehicle once in a compactconfiguration absent the disengagement of the lock. In various suchembodiments the latch mechanism engages the top of the rear wheelbearing member when in a compact configuration thereby preventing themembers from pivoting relative to one another.

As shown in FIGS. 1a to 1 c, in many embodiments a foldable vehicle isprovided comprising at least three structural members: a frontwheel-bearing structural member (12) having disposed at the distal endthereon at least a front wheel assembly (13), a rear wheel-bearingstructural member (14) having disposed at the distal end thereon atleast a rear wheel assembly (15), and a seat-bearing structural member(16) for supporting a rider while operating the vehicle. In addition,the stability of the vehicle frame is strengthened by one or moretension wires (17 & 17′) that are interconnected between the seat andfront structural members, and the front and rear structural members.These structural members are pivotally connected each to the otherthrough one or a plurality of pivot points (18, 19, 20 and 21) thatallow movement of the structural members from an open ridingconfiguration, shown in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1a to 1c , to afolded compact configuration, shown in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2aand 2 b.

As shown, in FIG. 1a , the relative arrangement of the structuralmembers of the vehicle in these configurations may be defined by theaxial arrangement of the structural members relative to each other,wherein each structural member is defined by an axis (22, 23 and 24). Insome embodiments in the open riding configuration the front and rearstructural members (12 & 14) are positioned such that a downward acuteangle (26) is created between the axes (23 & 24) of the twowheel-bearing structural members. Although a particular angulararrangement is provided in FIGS. 1a and 1b , it should be understoodthat any angle suitable to form a usable riding configuration may beformed depending on the specific arrangement and geometry of the wheelsand structural members desired. For example, a suitable angle may bedetermined by factors such as the distance between the wheels of thevehicle, the height of the seat to the ground, etc.

In addition, in some embodiments of this open riding configuration theseat-bearing structural member (16) is pivoted such that its axis (24)is disposed at an angle relative to the ground such that a ridingplatform (28) is formed on which a rider may be seated to operate thevehicle. As shown in FIG. 1a , in some embodiments the riding platform(28) may be configured such that its axis is roughly parallel to theground. In other embodiments adjustment mechanisms may be provided toadjust the position of the riding platform relative to the wheel-bearingstructural members as desired by the rider. In such embodimentsadjustments might include height relative to the ground, distancerelative to the handlebars (29), angle relative to the pivot points (19& 21), etc. Although one embodiment of a riding platform (28) comprisinga bicycle-style seat is shown in the figures, it will be understood thatthe riding platform may take any form, style or shape suitable tosupport a rider.

In various embodiments, the frame of the vehicle is provided greaterstructural stability through one or a pair of tension wires (17 and 17′)that are connected, for example, at the top and bottom of the vehicleframe. Where the top wire (17) is attached between the ends of the seat(16) and front (12) structural members disposed distal the wheelassemblies (13 & 15). Where the bottom wire (17′) is attached betweenthe ends of the rear (14) and front (12) structural members disposedproximal the wheel assemblies (13 & 15).

As shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b , in many embodiments, in the compact foldedconfiguration the front, rear and seat structural members (12, 14 & 16)are all pivoted such that their axes (22, 23 & 24) are disposed roughlyparallel to each other. In some embodiments of the vehicle, such as theone shown in FIG. 2a , the axes (22, 23 & 24) of the structural membersare disposed parallel one to the other, and the structural members (12,14 & 16) themselves are moved into a configuration in which they arepositioned adjacent to one another. In one such embodiment, the pivotingof the structural members comprises a scissoring motion about the pivotpoints such that the ends of each of the structural members distal tothe wheel assemblies come together to face in a single direction, againas shown in FIG. 2a , for example. In some such embodiments, the seat(28) disposed on the seat-bearing element is positioned upward above theends of the wheel-bearing structural elements distal from the wheels. Insuch embodiments, the tension wires 17 & 17′ are folded between thestructural members, as shown in FIG. 2a , for example.

Additional views of the vehicle of FIGS. 1a and 2a , in open and closedpositions, are provided in FIGS. 1b (front-side view) and 1 c (rear-sideview), and 2 b (rear view).

Although the above description and the embodiments of the vehicle shownin FIGS. 1a and 2a , describe an electric vehicle having a two-wheelconfiguration (in which the front wheel assembly (13) comprises a singlewheel and the rear wheel assembly (15) comprises a single wheel), itwill be understood that other wheel configurations may be provided thathave considerably the same elements and operate in a manner commensurateto that described above. For example, the vehicle may have a three wheelconfiguration (in which the rear wheel assembly comprises a pair ofdouble wheels), or the vehicle may have a four-wheel configuration (inwhich the rear wheel assembly has a single main wheel and a pair ofconvertible or foldable wheels that may extend on either side of themain wheel to provide additional stability.

Turning now to the detailed construction of the vehicle, several of theelements comprising the vehicle will be described, including the frontand rear wheel-bearing structural members, and the seat-bearingstructural member and all attendant structures and accessories.Examining first the front wheel-bearing structural member, FIGS. 1a and1b provide illustrations of embodiments of the vehicle (10) and thefront wheel-bearing structural member (12). As shown, in manyembodiments the vehicle (10) comprises a front wheel-bearing structuralmember (12) having at least one front wheel assembly (13) mountedthereto, and a steering mechanism, such as a handlebar or other suitablestructure (29) interconnected therewith. In some such embodiments, thesteering mechanism (29) can be used to alter the orientation of thefront wheel assembly (13) relative to the vehicle, and thus to steer thevehicle when in the open/riding position (FIGS. 1a to 1c ), and tomaneuver the vehicle when in the closed/compact position (FIGS. 2a and 2b). Although in the embodiments shown, only the wheel pivots while theremaining front structural member is fixedly attached, in otherembodiments the entire front structural member or some portion thereofcould be pivotable relative to the remaining vehicle structure through apivotable interconnect. Regardless, in many embodiments the steeringmechanism may be interconnected relative to the wheel assembly and frontwheel-bearing structural member such that the orientation of at leastthe front wheel relative to the remainder of the vehicle may be altered.

Although a specific “T”-shaped handlebar steering mechanism (29) isshown in the figures, it will be understood that the steering mechanismmay be of any shape suitable and dimension such that a rider may use themechanism to alter the directional motion of the vehicle. For example, a“U”-shaped handle bar steering mechanism may be contemplated. Inaddition, in some embodiments the height of the steering mechanism mayalso be adjustable, such as, for example, via a telescoping mechanism,for convenience and comfort of use, and in some embodiments to allow thesteering mechanism to be collapsed for storage such that the height ofthe handle bars do not extend above the height of the remainder of thevehicle. In embodiments, the steering mechanism may have handles thatextend out from the sides of framework, such as in a “T” configurationthe handle extensions may retract or fold into a more compact form.

Although not shown, in various embodiments the steering mechanism (29)may be pivoted between an open position in which the axis of thesteering mechanism is angled away from the axis (23) of the frontwheel-bearing structural member (12), and a closed compacted position,in which the axis of the steering mechanism is aligned along thevertical axis of the front wheel-bearing structural member. In manyembodiments, it may be desirable to prevent motion of the front wheelassembly relative to the vehicle in the compact folded or closedposition, i.e., to lock the orientation of the wheel relative to thevehicle. In such embodiments a wheel locking mechanism may be providedto prevent the wheel and/or wheel assembly (13) from changingorientation relative to the vehicle in such a folded closedconfiguration. Although any suitable wheel locking mechanism may beprovided, in the embodiments shown the pivotable portion of the frontwheel bearing member may be pressed against a portion of the rear wheelbearing member (14) such that it cannot pivot relative thereto when inthe compacted configuration. Although not shown some embodiments a tabor other element may also be provided on the pivotable portion of thewheel or wheel assembly such that in the close folded configuration thetab engages the adjacent rear wheelbearing assembly or other immobileportion of the vehicle to prevent independent motion of the wheel orwheel assembly, and thereby a change in the orientation of the wheeland/or wheel assembly relative to the vehicle.

Turning now to the construction of the front wheel-bearing assembly(12), as shown in FIG. 1a , in many embodiments the front wheel-bearingstructural member is formed of an elongated body that may be made hollowsuch that the body defines an interior volume. The structural member maybe formed from any material suitable to provide sufficient structuralsupport to the vehicle, such as, for example, a metal, composite, orpolymer. In many embodiments, the front wheel-bearing structural member(12) may include fenestrations (50) along the elongated body. Thestructural member may also comprise any suitable cross-section, such as,for example, tubular (as shown), square, etc.

In many embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1b for example, the frontwheel-bearing structural member (18) may further comprise a pair ofpivot hinge brackets (32 disposed along its length and configured suchthat the front main pivot hinge brackets may be cooperatively coupledwith the main pivot hinge brackets provided on the rear wheel-bearingstructural member (19) and the seat-bearing structural member (16) toform the vehicle pivot mechanism to allow the front wheel-bearingstructural member (12) to pivot relative to the other structural members(14 and 16) that form the structure of the vehicle. Such a seat-bearingstructural member may also comprise a hollow portion (36) configured anddisposed to allow a portion of the rear wheel-bearing structural memberto fold therein when the vehicle is moved into the compact or foldedconfiguration.

The front wheel-bearing structural member may also comprise certainaccessories (not shown), such as, for example, lights, chargingconnections, personal electronic docking connections, etc. Although theenergy storage and vehicle propulsion systems may be distributed acrossthe various structural members and elements of the vehicle, in manyembodiments the energy storage elements, such as, for example, one ormore batteries (34) may be disposed along the length of the frontwheel-bearing structural member along with any required controlelectronics, electric interconnections, etc., or mechanical controls,cables, etc. necessary for the operation of the electric vehicle, asshown in FIGS. 1a to 1c . although one specific battery arrangement isshown in FIGS. 1 to 2, it should be understood that other configurationsmay be implemented, such as, for example, where the battery 34′ isincorporated into the inner volume of one or both the wheel-bearingstructural members (as shown in FIG. 4), or where the battery 34″comprises a portion of one or both the wheel-bearing structural members(as shown in FIG. 5).

As shown in FIG. 1b , the front wheel assembly (13) generally comprisesa wheel (38) rotatable interconnected with the assembly, such as via anaxle (39) or other suitable rotatable interconnection. The front wheelassembly may also include front footrests (not shown), which may takeany suitable form, such as, for example, a peg or pedal. Such a footrestmay be foldable or retractable to reduce the profile of the footrestrelative to the wheel assembly. Finally, the wheel assembly may includeother accessories, such as, for example, a fender or mud-flap (notshown) mounted about the wheel to decrease water or other debris frombeing splattered against the rider during operation. Although the motoror other propulsion means may be distributed across the vehicle andinterconnected via suitable drive interconnections, in many embodimentsthe vehicle propulsion mechanism may be formed as part of the wheelassembly, such as within the hub (40) of the wheel to provide motiveforce to the vehicle. In many such embodiments the propulsion mechanismmay include an electric motor disposed within the hub of the wheel ofthe wheel assembly (13) and electrically interconnected with the energystorage elements disposed elsewhere in the vehicle.

Examining now the rear wheel-bearing structural member, FIGS. 1c and 2bprovide views of embodiments of the vehicle (10) and the rearwheel-bearing structural member (14). As shown, in many embodiments thevehicle (10) comprises a rear wheel-bearing structural member (14)having a seat-bearing assembly (16) and front wheel structural member(12) interconnected therewith. In such embodiments, the rearwheel-bearing structural member (14) may be interconnected to the frontwheel-bearing structural member (12) through a pivot interconnection(18) at an end distal to the rear wheel (15), and to a seat-bearingstructural member (16) along its length through, for example, anelongated linking bracket (32). In some embodiments, thisinterconnection is made at a first end (21) to the rear wheel-bearingassembly (14) and at a second end (20) along the length of theseat-bearing structural member (16) via a pair of pivotableinterconnections which are capable of linking the movement of the rearwheel-bearing structural member and the seat-bearing post such that whenone pivots the other pivots.

As shown in FIG. 1c , the rear wheel-bearing structural member (14)further comprises a rear wheel assembly (15) distal from the pivotassembly (18). Turning now to the construction of the rear wheel-bearingassembly (15), as shown in FIG. 1c , in many embodiments the rearwheel-bearing structural member (14) may be formed of an elongated bodythat may be made hollow such that the body defines an interior volume.Although the structural member is shown as being square, it will beunderstood that the member may take any suitable cross-section. Thestructural member (14) may also be formed from any material suitable toprovide sufficient structural support to the vehicle, such as, forexample, a metal, composite, or polymer. Although not shown, in manyembodiments the weight of the rear wheel-bearing structural member maybe lightened by including fenestrations along the body thereof.

As further shown in FIG. 1c , for example, in many embodiments, the rearwheel-bearing structural member (14) may comprise, at its lower end, aninterconnection point (42) such that a wheel assembly (15) may beinterconnected therewith. In some such embodiments, such aninterconnection may comprise a rear axle (44) such that the wheel mayrotate relative to the rear wheel-bearing assembly.

In many embodiments, as discussed in relation to FIGS. 1c and 2b , therear wheel-bearing structural member (14) may further comprise a pair ofrear main pivot interconnects (18 & 21) disposed along its length andconfigured such that the rear pivot interconnects may be cooperativelycoupled with the pivot interconnections on the other structural members(12 and 16) to combine to form the vehicle main pivot mechanism to allowthe rear wheel-bearing structural member (14) to pivot relative to theother structural members (12 and 16) that form the structure of thevehicle.

Although not shown, other accessories may be included with the rearwheelbearing structural member, including lights, charging connections,personal electronic docking connections, luggage racks, etc. Althoughthe energy storage and vehicle propulsion systems may be distributedacross the various structural members and elements of the vehicle, inmany embodiments the energy storage elements, such as, for example, oneor more batteries may be disposed within the internal volume of the rearwheel-bearing structural member along with any required controlelectronics, electric interconnections, etc., or mechanical controls,cables, etc. necessary for the operation of the electric vehicle.

As described above a rear wheel assembly (15) is mounted to the lowerend of the rear wheel-bearing structural member (14). As shown in thefigures, this rear wheel assembly may comprise one (45) or multiplewheels (not shown) in accordance with embodiments of the vehicle. Inmany embodiments, as discussed in relation to FIG. 2b , the rear wheelassembly (15) comprises an axle (44) fixedly attached at the lower endof the rear wheel-bearing structural member (14). In some embodimentsthis fixed axle may comprise one or a plurality of wheels, such as on apivotable or unpivotable truck (not shown). Although not shown, in someembodiments the rear wheel assembly (15) may include resilient members,such as shock absorbing springs, to provide a shock dampening to thevehicle. In some such embodiments, the wheel or wheels of the rear wheelassembly may also be affixed to the rear wheel bearing structural member(14) in a configuration that would allow the wheels to move relative tothe rear wheel-bearing structural member. (Examples of suitable rearwheel configuration may be found in US Patent Pub No. US2016/0347397,the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.)

The rear wheel-bearing structural members (12 and 14) in some suchembodiments may be further supported and interconnected with the frontwheel-bearing structural member (12) through a tension wire (17′), asshown in FIGS. 1a to 1 c, to provide further weight-bearing support andstructural stability to the frame of the vehicle. In many embodiments,as shown in FIG. 3b , the tension wire element (17) is configured to beattached to the rear and front wheel-bearing members such that it isunder tension in the riding configuration (as shown in FIGS. 1a to 1c ),and slack during the closed or compact configuration (as shown in FIGS.2a and 2b ). Although the tension wires shown and described in thefigures are braided wire, it will be understood that alternative tensionwire designs and materials may be used. Such tension wire seatsupporting elements may be disconnectable from the front and seatstructural members, or may be permanently interconnected therewiththroughout the movement of the members from riding to compactedconfigurations.

Finally, it will be understood that in many embodiments the either thefront or rear wheel assemblies may be configured as a removable and/orinterchangeable structure, such that the wheels of the vehicle may beremoved and the vehicle can be reconfigured between a single ordual-wheel design as desired by the user. This interchangeability can beaccomplished by interconnecting one or both of the front or rear wheelassemblies (whether single or dual wheel design) via removable bolts, ora quick-connect attachment, such as, for example, a spring-loaded pin,latch, or other coupling. In embodiments where a two-wheel vehicledesign is desired, the vehicle may further include a kickstand orotherwise retractable support, such that the vehicle may stand whenunattended by the user.

Examining now the seat-bearing structural member, FIGS. 1b and 2bprovide perspective views of the seat-bearing structural member (16) andthe seat-bearing structural member support (17), respectively. As shownin FIG. 1a , in many embodiments the seat-bearing structural member (16)generally comprises an elongated structural member having at one enddistal to the seat platform (28) a seat pivot bracket (19)interconnectable to the front wheel-bearing member. In some embodimentsthe seat-bearing member also comprises a second pivot interconnection(20) interconnected through, for example, the linkage bracket (32) tothe rear wheel-bearing member (14). Together the pivot interconnectionsare configured to cooperatively interconnect with the pivotinterconnections of the front and rear wheel-bearing structural members(12 and 14) to form the main vehicle pivot mechanism to allow theseat-bearing structural member (16) to pivot relative to the otherstructural members (12 and 14) that form the structure of the vehicle.In many embodiments, the seat-bearing structural member defines an openhollow structure (36) such that it may pivot around and overlap one orboth the front and rear wheel-bearing structural members as shown inFIG. 2 a.

Such a seat pivot mechanism may also comprise a locking mechanismconfigured to engage a cooperative locking mechanism on one or more ofthe other structural members (12 and 16) of the vehicle to preventunintended movement of the structural members relative to one another.In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1b and 2b , the locking mechanismcomprises a movable lock disengagement latch (51) configured to engage acooperative locking structural portion of the rear wheel bearingstructural member (as shown in FIG. 2a ) such that the engagement anddisengagement of the locking mechanism is activated by manipulating theseat-bearing structural member, as will be described in greater detailbelow.

The seat-bearing structural member (16) in some such embodiments may befurther supported and interconnected with the front wheel-bearingstructural member (12) through a tension wire (17), as shown in FIGS. 1ato 1 c, to provide further weight-bearing support and structuralstability to the seating platform (28) of the seat-bearing structuralmember (16) during operation of the vehicle. In many embodiments, asshown in FIG. 3a , the tension wire element (17) is configured to attachto the seat bearing member (16) such that it is under tension in theriding configuration (as shown in FIGS. 1a to 1c ), and slack duringcompaction (as shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b ). Although the tension wiresare shown and described in the figures as a braided wire it will beunderstood that alternative tension wire designs and materials may beused. Such tension wire seat supporting elements may be disconnectablefrom the front and seat structural members, or may be permanentlyinterconnected therewith throughout the movement of the members fromriding to compacted configurations.

In various other embodiments, the seat-bearing structural member mayinclude a resilient member (not shown) (e.g., a shock absorber or otherspring or pneumatic element) for dampening any shocks and bumps suchthat they are not transmitted fully to the seat (28).

The seat-bearing structural member (16) may also comprise certainaccessories, such as, for example, lights, charging connections,personal electronic docking connections, (not shown), etc. Although theenergy storage and vehicle propulsion systems may be distributed acrossthe various structural members and elements of the vehicle, in manyembodiments the energy storage elements, such as, for example, one ormore batteries may be disposed within the internal volume of theseat-bearing structural member along with any required controlelectronics, electric interconnections, etc., or mechanical controls,cables, etc. necessary for the operation of the electric vehicle. Thestructural member may be formed from any material suitable to providesufficient structural support to the vehicle, such as, for example, ametal, composite, or polymer.

As shown in FIG. 1a , in many embodiments the seat-bearing structuralmember may include fenestrations (50) along the elongated body thereof.Any number and configuration of such fenestrations may take any geometryor shape suitable maintain the structural integrity of the structuralmember. The position of the seat-bearing structural member (16) and/orthe seat platform (28) may be adjustable relative to the remainder ofthe vehicle. In such embodiments adjustments might include heightrelative to the ground, distance relative to the handlebars, anglerelative to the other components, etc. Although one embodiment of aseating platform (28) comprising a bicycle-style seat is shown in thefigures, it will be understood that the riding platform may take anyform, style or shape suitable to support a rider.

As shown in detail in FIGS. 1a and 1b , each of the structural membersincludes a plurality of cooperative pivot interconnections (18, 19, 20 &21), each of which engage and pivot during compaction or expansion ofthe vehicle. In many embodiments each of the pairs of cooperative pivothinge interconnections are disposed in a nested arrangement, wherein theseat pivot interconnections form the outer elements relative to thefront wheel-bearing and rear wheel-bearing members, and the front pivothinge bracket (18) forms the outer element relative to the rearwheel-bearing member, although this configuration may be reorderedwithout effecting the operation or function of the folding function ofthe vehicle.

In many embodiments, as will be described in relation to FIGS. 1b and 2b, the vehicle pivot mechanism may further comprise a cooperative lockingmechanism configured to be moved between a first locking position wherethe vehicle, including structural member and seat-bearing post, aredisposed and secured in the compacted position, and a second unlockedposition where the vehicle is disposed in an open/riding position.Although such a cooperative locking mechanism may take any suitableform, in some embodiments, as shown in the figures, the mechanism maytake the form of a latch mechanism. In one such embodiment, a pivotablelatch member may be disposed in association with the seat-bearing member(16) and is configured to disengage and engage a cooperative portion ofthe rear wheel-bearing member (14) formed into the top portion of themember. In embodiments the locking latch may be disengaged from theclosed/compacted position by pulling up on the seat-bearing structuralmember (16). Again, it should be understood that although a specificarrangement of cooperative locking elements are described, any suitablelocking mechanism and arrangement of elements may be provided. In manyembodiments, such locking mechanisms and arrangements are configuredsuch that the locking mechanism is disengaged by lifting theseat-bearing structural member. Likewise, although only two lockingpositions are described above, it will be understood that intermediarylocking positions may be defined such that desirable vehicleconfigurations may be stably formed.

Turning now to the operation of the folding mechanism of the electricvehicle (10), as described above, and as will be discussed in relationto the figures, in many embodiments the two wheel-bearing structuralmembers (12 and 14), and the seat bearing structural member (16) of thevehicle (10) are all pivotally interconnected such that a single foldingmechanism operates to moveably reposition all the structural members ofthe vehicle cooperatively. As shown, in many embodiments the foldingmechanism comprises a plurality of pivot interconnection about whicheach of the structural members (12, 14 and 16) are pivotallyinterconnected. A locking mechanism comprising, in many embodiments, alatch arrangement, may also be provided to lock the structural membersof the vehicle into the compact configurations. In many such embodimentsthe locking mechanism is disengaged by manipulating the seat-bearingstructural member (16), such as, for example, by lifting upward on thestructural member.

It should be understood that although the illustrated embodiments showspecific configurations of locking mechanisms, including particulargeometries, dispositions and configurations of pins, channels, grooves,notches, etc. that these elements could be modified substantially whilemaintaining the functionality of the vehicle folding mechanism such thata single cooperative pivot point and locking mechanism is providedcapable of being engaged and operated to simultaneously folding thestructural members of the vehicle from an open/riding position such thatthe seat is extended outward away from the structural member, and asecond/closed position at which the seat is locked into a compactposition where the seat is folded against or flush with the secondstructural member, via the manipulation of one of the structural membersof the vehicle, such as, for example, the seat-bearing structuralmember.

In addition, it will be understood that other accessories may beincorporated with the vehicle, including, for example, baskets, lights,cup holders, cell phone chargers and cradles, etc. Many of theseaccessories are described in US Patent Pub No. US2016/0347397, thedisclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

DOCTRINE OF EQUIVALENTS

As can be inferred from the above discussion, the above-mentionedconcepts can be implemented in a variety of arrangements in accordancewith embodiments of the invention. For example, though the foldablevehicle has been described in relation to an electric vehicle, it willbe understood that the construction and folding mechanism describedcould be adapted for use with other propulsion types, including, forexample, a gasoline powered internal combustion engine. Likewise,although the vehicle has been described in relation to two wheel-bearingstructural members, it will be understood that any number of structuralmembers could be used along with the proposed vehicle folding mechanism.

Accordingly, although the present invention has been described incertain specific aspects, many additional modifications and variationswould be apparent to those skilled in the art. It is therefore to beunderstood that the present invention may be practiced otherwise thanspecifically described. Thus, embodiments of the present inventionshould be considered in all respects as illustrative and notrestrictive.

What is claimed is:
 1. A vehicle comprising: a front wheel-bearingstructural member and a rear wheel-bearing structural member each havingfirst and second ends and each defining a wheel-bearing structuralmember longitudinal axis, each of said wheelbearing structural membershaving at least one wheel assembly interconnected to the second endthereof and two wheel-bearing structural member pivot interconnectionsdisposed along the length thereof; at least one seat-bearing structuralmember having first and second ends and defining a seat-bearingstructural member longitudinal axis, the seat-bearing structural memberhaving a seating platform interconnected to the second end thereof andat least two seat-bearing pivot interconnections disposed along thelength thereof; wherein at least one of the wheel-bearing structuralmember pivot interconnections of each of the front and rearwheel-bearing structural members are pivotably interconnected together,and wherein at least one of the wheel-bearing structural member pivotinterconnections of each of the front and rear wheel-bearing structuralmembers are pivotably interconnected with the seat-bearing pivotinterconnections, and wherein the collective pivot interconnections areconfigured to cooperatively form a vehicle pivot mechanism such that thestructural members are movable between at least two configurations: ariding configuration wherein the longitudinal axes of the two wheelbearing structural members and the seat-bearing structural members haveangular offsets relative to each other, and a folded configurationwherein the longitudinal axes of the two wheel-bearing structuralmembers and the seat-bearing structural member are roughly parallel toeach other; and wherein a first support wire is interconnected betweenthe seat-bearing structural member and the front wheel-bearingstructural member, and a second support wire is interconnected betweenthe rear and front wheel-bearing structural members, the first andsecond support wires being under tension in the riding configuration andslack in the folded configuration.
 2. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein asteering mechanism is mounted to a front wheel-bearing structuralmember, the steering mechanism being configured to controllably pivotthe wheel assembly mounted to the front wheel-bearing structural memberabout the longitudinal axis of the front wheel-bearing structuralmember.
 3. The vehicle of claim 2, wherein the front wheel is locked ina non-pivoting configuration relative the longitudinal axis of the frontwheel-bearing structural member in the folded configuration.
 4. Thevehicle of claim 1, wherein a portion of the front wheel-bearingstructural member pivots with the wheel assembly.
 5. The vehicle ofclaim 1, wherein at least a portion of the front wheel-bearingstructural member has an energy storage device disposed thereon.
 6. Thevehicle of claim 5, wherein the energy storage device is removable fromthe vehicle.
 7. The vehicle of claim 2, wherein the steering mechanismcomprises at least one handlebar, and wherein the height and angle ofthe handlebar relative to the vehicle is adjustable.
 8. The vehicle ofclaim 1, wherein the front wheel-bearing structural member is tubular.9. The vehicle of claim 1, further comprising a pivot locking mechanismconfigured to disengageably lock the structural members in at least thefolded configuration.
 10. The vehicle of claim 9, wherein the pivotlocking mechanism comprises a latch disposed on the seat-bearing memberand configured to engage one of the at least two wheel-bearingstructural members.
 11. The vehicle of claim 10, wherein the latch isconfigured to engage a portion of the rear wheel-bearing structuralmember.
 12. The vehicle of claim 10, wherein the latch is configured todisengage when the seat-bearing structural member is pivoted upward whenin the second compacted configuration.
 13. The vehicle of claim 1,wherein the rear wheel assembly comprises at least two wheelsinterconnected via a fixed axle.
 14. The vehicle of claim 1, furthercomprising at least one electric motor disposed within at least one ofthe wheel assemblies and an energy storage device interconnectedtherewith.
 15. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein in the foldedconfiguration the seating platform is disposed above the first ends ofthe wheel-bearing structural members.
 16. The vehicle of claim 1,wherein the rear wheel-bearing structural member and the seat-bearingstructural member are pivotably interconnected through a linkage member.17. The vehicle of claim 16, wherein the linkage member isinterconnected to pivot interconnections on the seat-bearing structuralmember and rear wheel-bearing structural member along the length of eachstructural member between the first and second ends thereof.
 18. Thevehicle of claim 17, wherein the seat-bearing structural member and thefront wheel-bearing structural member are interconnected through pivotinterconnections disposed on the first end of the seat-bearingstructural member and along the length of the front wheel-bearingstructural member between the first and second ends thereof.
 19. Thevehicle of claim 18, wherein the front and rear wheel-bearing structuralmembers are interconnected through pivot interconnections disposedproximal to the first ends of each of the front and rear wheel-bearingstructural members.
 20. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein at least one ofthe wheel-bearing structural members comprises a plurality offenestrations configured to provide access to the internal volumethereof.